Tasmanian Bike packing

Written By Thomas Gray

I am always looking at my next travel location. Always looking at a location from the eye of a cyclist, mapping out routes in my ideal destination that I hope one day I will get to. From bike packing trips across Spain, through Europe or a week of routes in Montenegro. These are all trips I am yet to do.

What holds me back? Sometimes it is time. As a professional cyclist, sometimes the only time we can find time for such free adventures are in our off-season when we actually should be taking rest off the bike. Sometimes it is also finding the travel companion. In a foreign country this is certainly a barrier, at least for a bike packing trip.

So, why not start my trip in a location I am familiar with? My home, Tasmania.

I know the road, and the towns. I have driven them. But it will look different from my bike. Slower.

A 10-day bike packing trip in Tasmania. North, East, South and through the middle.

I will be honest, this isn’t pure bike packing. I appreciate a good bed and being able to do washing each day but I think this is a good place to start and allows you to enjoy your location a bit more.

So to plan this, what did I consider?

  1. I work on a 2-3day longer km days before having a rest day. This rest day is either a smaller 50km or less ride to the next stop, or an extended days stop in a location.

  2. I pick summer. You can pack lighter, more likely to get good weather and general enjoyment.

  3. I pick locations in close proximity of stores or resturaunts and I check ahead on opening times. I know where the stores are and if we need to make a stop on the way through to our accomodation or not.

  4. Where some areas are remote, I actually asked the property if they wouldn’t mind to put some basics - bananas, milk, bread, just to be able to start a day from our location.

  5. We were in Hobart for an extended period before riding back. I planned ahead and ensured we had some luggage there for our arrival to save traveling with it. This is probably a luxury of a location I know/is home.

What do I pack?

  • Bags; frame bag, handlebar bag, top tube bag, saddle bag. I used Skin Grows Back.

  • I start wearing; base layer, sports bra, short sleeve jersey, arm warmers, socks and a wind vest.

  • Clothing packed; 1 extra jersey and bibs, leg warmers, rain jacket, lightweight pants, compact puffer vest, 1x t-shirt, 2x underwear, spare sports bra, spare socks, foldable lightweight slides/flip flops. I relied on washing daily.

  • Equipment; across 2 people; multi tool, 4 inner tubes, 4 C02, 1 small hand pump, power bank, cables for bikes/phone or other. Spare batteries if required. I knew where shops were along the way.

  • Toiletries/other; toothbrush, small comb, sunscreen, chamois cream, washing power - the rest I honestly relied on the accomodation having.

  • Food; enough for the day and stops at shops/service stations each day.

What was the route?

Take aways

  • Derby; if you love MTB’ing you may consider stopping here a few extra days and hiring some gear and enjoying all the trails or the Floating Sauna for recovery.

  • Favourite day; Day 5 was beautiful with champagne gravel roads included.

  • Little Swan Port was a friends property, I would recommend heading further into Coles Bay, you will also have more food/amenities.

  • Wine Glass Bay is a top walking destination with various hike options.

  • Hobart - stop for as long as you like, there is a lot to see and great riding. We recommend finding local routes here. My personal favourites are around Mt Wellington and down to the Huon Valley.

  • Day 10 is massive and shouldn’t be done lightheartedly. You will gain a lot of elevation and the weather can vary greatly in the central highlands as well as being remote from amenities. Pack for the weather and enough food, Bothwell is one of your last refuel points. Keep and eye on weather forecast for this day.

Now, to plan more of these adventures, in new locations.

 
Thomas Gray
Previous

RADL GRVL - Oceanias - A Solo Mission